Illinois’ comeback story starts here.

Caterpillar to shutter Aurora plant, cut 800 jobs

Caterpillar to shutter Aurora plant, cut 800 jobs

The company’s announcement affects 800 hourly employees, though 1,200 workers will remain in Aurora. In January, Caterpillar announced plans to relocate its global headquarters to Chicago and out of its longtime hub in Peoria.

By Hilary Gowins

Luxembourg’s ambassador sends letter to Illinois House leaders

Luxembourg’s ambassador sends letter to Illinois House leaders

Luxembourg’s ambassador to the United States has voiced objections to an Illinois House bill that would label Luxembourg a tax haven and subject corporations expatriated there to restrictions on investments and business dealings with the state of Illinois.

By Brendan Bakala

Legislation would allow people convicted of cannabis offenses to petition for expungement if Illinois legalizes marijuana

Legislation would allow people convicted of cannabis offenses to petition for expungement if Illinois legalizes marijuana

A proposed amendment to Illinois’ Criminal Identification Act would allow people to petition to have their arrest and conviction records cleared of any cannabis-related offenses that Illinois ultimately takes off the books through marijuana legalization.

By Hilary Gowins

Illinois House passes bill to allow residents to dissolve townships

Illinois House passes bill to allow residents to dissolve townships

On March 29, the Illinois House of Representatives voted almost unanimously in favor of allowing voters to decide on local government consolidation – a crucial component of shrinking local government spending, which drives up property taxes. State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, sponsored House Bill 496, which received bipartisan support – more than a dozen representatives...

By Brendan Bakala

SB 1288 could chip away at Illinois’ crony liquor laws

SB 1288 could chip away at Illinois’ crony liquor laws

A bill in the Illinois Senate would provide certain alcohol producers some freedom within the state’s three-tier system – which has been maintained through measures limiting competition and benefiting the politically connected.